Vibration dampening device and method

ABSTRACT

A vibration dampening device includes a strap or band wrapped around a human body part. The strap includes one or more wing sections, either integrally formed or engaged thereto, that extend beyond the nominal width of the strap and have freedom of movement with respect to the strap. The distal ends of step members engaged to the strap may form wing sections. Wing section movement counteracts longitudinal vibrations traveling through soft tissue and musculature to dampen such vibrations. Optionally, a tension limiter may be provided to help maintain wrapping tension at or below a desired level, such as 3 pounds-force or below, which applied at a strap area of 0.093 square inches is about 32 psi.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vibration dampening strap or bandthat is engaged around a person's torso, arm, leg, neck, or otherextremity at a suitable tension to dampen vibration of musculature andsoft tissue thereby preventing possible injury or pain that wouldotherwise result from repeated muscle and soft tissue vibration.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Impact-induced vibrations that travel along a human body part may leadto muscle or joint fatigue, or even injury. For example, a vibratingtennis racket held in the hand will transmit longitudinally and radiallytraveling vibrations into the hand, wrist, elbow, upper arm andshoulder. For some, these repeated vibrations lead to a painful injurytermed “tennis elbow”.

Several methods for isolating or reducing vibrations are discussed inthe prior art. For example, a dampening device containing one or moresprings may be attached directly to racket strings to try to dampenstring-induced vibrations before the vibrations reach the racket handle.While effective to some degree, such devices do not completely eliminatevibrations from being transmitted to the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow,etc.

An alternative vibration reducing method is to apply a vibrationabsorber to the vibration source (sometimes termed an “active” or“dynamic” vibration absorber). Dynamic vibration absorbers use amass-spring combination that can be tuned to exert a force equal andopposite to a sensed vibration. Dynamic vibration absorbers require anelectronic power source and are not considered practical for use inracket sports.

Yet another alternative is a “passive” vibration absorber, whichincorporates mechanical means such as a mass-spring-fluid combination,to dampen excessive unwanted vibrations. To be effective, passivevibration absorbers require a means to apply a counter force to avibration, such as with automobile shock absorbers that have a spring, apiston and fluid forced by the piston from one chamber into anotherchamber.

A number of supports and braces have been proposed for use to treat“tennis elbow” and other impact-induced shock on the human elbow joint.For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,865,775 discloses a forearm sleeve 10 withan energy-attenuating viscoelastic means 50 affixed to such sleeve. Atension strap 32 is wrapped around the sleeve to counter-forcesdirected-radially outwardly from the sleeve and the viscoelastic means50. Such sleeve and band combination purports to dampen vibrationsemanating radially outwardly from the bone to the outer skin of the arm,but has no effect on vibrations of soft tissue, particularly vibrationsemanating longitudinally or along the length of the arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,149,617 discloses a tennis elbow band that incorporatesa removable thermal packet 20 therein. The thermal packet may be heatedor chilled before it is inserted into the band. The band with thermalpacket therein is tightened around a wearer's forearm to apply pressureand in combination with heating or cooling (if the thermal packet hasbeen heated or chilled). The band has no effect on minimizing ordampening vibrations of soft tissue which travel in a longitudinaldirection along a wearer's arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,338,290 shows a variable tension band formed as alaminate with multiple strips of elastic material 11 attached to oneanother with reinforcing ribs 13. The band is wrapped around a body partwith sufficient tension to relieve pain. The ends of the band are joinedtogether with hook and loop fasteners 12a, 12b. The patent indicatesthat joint pain may be relieved by wrapping the band around a body partat least one inch away from the joint. The band has no effect onvibrations which travel in a longitudinal direction along a wearer's armor along a wearer's leg.

Bands have also been proposed for wrapping about the wrist to supportthe carpals and aid in preventing or treating carpal tunnel syndrome.See, e.g. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,478,306 and 6,517,507. Such bands tightlyencircle the wrist, but have no means for dampening vibrations of softtissue which travel in a longitudinal direction from the hand across thewrist and along the wearer's arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,921,949 discloses a carpal tunnel wrist correctivesupport formed as a flexible strap with an inner surface onto which atleast two compression pads are removably applied. The compression pads41 and 42 are shown aligned with their major axis perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the strap. The compression pads are fully adheredto the inner surface with hook and loop fasteners provided over theentire pad surface. There is no portion of a compression pad extendingoutwardly from the edges of the strap or left to freely vibrate withoutconnection to the strap. Hence the strap has no means for dampeningvibrations of soft tissue which travel in a longitudinal direction fromthe hand across the wrist and along the wearer's arm.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,585,674 shows a stretchable band having a wedge-shapedfoam piece 14 adhered to one surface. The wedge-shaped foam piecesupports a wearer's foot while the band is wrapped around the wearer'sankle. The band and wedge are intended to better align a wearer's footand ankle to minimize injury to the knee. No means are provided fordampening vibrations of soft tissue which travel in a longitudinaldirection from the foot across the ankle and along the wearer's leg.

Effective means for isolating and/or reducing impact-induced vibrationsfrom traveling longitudinally along soft tissue of human extremities arestill sought.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In a first aspect of the invention, a vibration dampening device forwrapping a human body part, such as an arm, wrist, ankle, leg, finger,toe, chest, torso or neck, has a strap having a nominal width and lengthand having a body contacting surface and an outer surface. The strap maybe formed as a continuous band of stretchable material or may have aproximal end and a distal end with a fastener provided at one or bothends. A preferred fastener is a hook and loop fastener (VELCRO®) thatmay be adjustably engaged to provide different wrapping tension. Whenwrapped around a human body part, preferably the strap exerts a tensionof no more than 5 pounds-force (applied at a strap area of 0.093 squareinches this translates to 53 pounds per square inch) on said body part,most preferably no more than 3 pounds-force (applied at a strap area of0.093 square inches this translates to 32 pounds per square inch).

Preferably, the strap is formed from neoprene, polyethylene,polyurethane or spandex. Most preferably, the strap is covered with awoven or nonwoven fabric or felt so that the strap may be comfortablyworn in contact with the skin. The preferred material forming the strapis a viscoelastic material having a density in the range of 7 to 15pounds per cubic foot, a tensile strength from 40 to 80 psi, a minimumelongation of 100%, and a compression deflection at 25% of from 3 to 10psi.

A step member is engaged to the strap, such as with an adhesive. Thestep member has a length and a width, and the length of said step memberis longer than the width of said step member, and longer than the widthof the strap. Where the strap defines a central axis and the step memberdefines an axis along its length, preferably the step member is engagedto the body contacting surface of the strap so that its axis issubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the strap. Alternatively, thestep member may be attached to the outer surface of the strap.

The step member has a proximal end and a distal end, and defines a firstwing portion at its distal end and a second wing portion at its proximalend. In one embodiment, the first wing portion extends beyond the widthof the strap when the step member is engaged to the strap. In anotherembodiment, the step member defines an axis along its length, and saidstep member is engaged to the body contacting surface of the strap sothat its axis is either parallel to or generally aligned with the axisof the strap. The outer peripheries of the wing portions of step membersmay vary in shape, including straight, curved, or other regular orirregular shape or any combination of such shapes.

More than one step member may be engaged to the strap. In one preferredembodiment, the step members are formed of the same materials as thestrap. More preferably, when at least one additional step member isengaged to the body contacting surface of the strap, such additionalstep member is formed of a different material than the material of theother step member(s) so that the additional step member has a differentmodulus of elasticity and a different force constant (k). Where two ormore step members are engaged to the strap, preferably they are spacedapart so as not to contact one another. A preferred gap between two stepmembers is from 0.25 to 4.0 inches.

In another alternate embodiment, a second step member may be engaged tothe first step member, with the axis of the second step member eithergenerally aligned with the axis of the first step member, orsubstantially perpendicular to the axis of the first step member, or atan angle therebetween.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the strap further is provided witha tension limiter, which is a loop that has two ends and a loop portionbetween said ends, and wherein said ends are attached to the bodycontacting surface of the strap. Alternatively, the ends may be attachedto the outer surface of the strap. The tension limiter helps to keep thestrap tension below a defined maximum, for example, such as below 3pounds-force (applied to a strap area of 0.093 square inches thistranslates to 32 psi).

When the strap is engaged, the wing portions of the step members havefreedom of movement with respect to the strap. The wing portions thusdirect a restorative force onto the skin to counteract vibrations thatare transmitted longitudinally along the wearer's skin and soft tissue.

In still another embodiment, the strap may be formed without stepmembers, but with integral wing members, such that the strap defines anominal width and the wing members comprise extensions beyond saidnominal width. Such wing members or extended portions of the strap stillhave freedom of movement such that they direct restorative force ontothe skin to counteract vibrations that are transmitted longitudinallyalong the skin and soft tissue. Wing members may extend from equal andopposite sides of the strap and have their axes aligned, or they may beoffset from one another. Such wing members may have straight or curvedor other regularly or irregularly shaped outer peripheries.

As another aspect, methods for dampening longitudinal vibrations alonghuman soft tissue and musculature use the vibration dampening straps ofthe invention. One or more such straps may be wrapped around a bodypart, such as an arm, wrist, ankle, leg, finger, toe, chest, torso orneck, at a suitable tension (such as 0.1 to 5 pounds-force, preferably 1to 2 pounds-force) so as to dampen longitudinal vibrations of softtissue and/or musculature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a first embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view in elevation taken along line 3-3 ofFIG. 1, showing details of the strap and attached wings;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of a second embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a third embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of a fourth embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a side elevational view of a fifth embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention, which strap has shorterlength more suited for wrapping around a finger or toe;

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a sixth embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of a seventh embodiment of avibration dampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the strap of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of an eighth embodiment of avibration dampening strap according to the invention, which strapincludes a tensioner and has been looped to engage hook and loopfasteners positioned at the strap ends;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the strap of FIG. 15, wherein thestrap has been stretched to expand the tensioner therein;

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a human figure who has vibrationdampening straps according to the invention attached to his upper arm,forearm, thumb, finger, thigh and ankle, and wherein further alternatelocations for wrapping straps according to the invention are designatedby target circles;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a human forearm having two vibrationdampening straps according to the invention wrapped thereon;

FIG. 19 is a top plan view of an eighth embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention;

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a tenth embodiment of a vibrationdampening strap according to the invention; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram in partial cross section showing avibration dampening strap according to the invention wrapped about ahuman extremity, and illustrating the dampening of a longitudinallytraveling soft tissue vibration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring first to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a first embodiment of a vibrationdampening device 10 has a strap 12 with a proximal end 14 and a distalend 16. The strap 12 defines a length and a width and a longitudinalaxis A, wherein the strap length is longer than the strap width. Asfastening means, a hook strip 18 is attached to a body contactingsurface 22 of the strap 12, and a loop strip 20 is attached to the outersurface 24 of the strap 12. The strips 18, 20 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 weremedium hook and felt VELCRO® hook loop fasteners, obtained from VelcroUSA Inc. of Manchester, N.H. The strips 18, 20 preferably are attachedwith an elastomeric adhesive that can stretch when subjected to tensileforce without de-adhering. One adhesive that meets these conditions is aVELCRO® adhesive. Another adhesive is ALCOTE 532, available from Rohmand Haas Company, Philadelphia, Pa. Alternatively, strips 18, 20 may beattached by stitching with an elastomeric thread.

Alternative fastening means may be used (not shown) to hold the strapinto place, including a buckle, or cinch or a series of snaps or hooks.It is also possible to custom-make integral continuous straps formedinto a loop or band to fit various body parts. However, it is preferredthat fastening means are used, and that such fastening means allow awearer to adjust the wrapping tension.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, the strap 12 is shown in an open condition, notwrapped around a human body part. When wrapped around a human body part,such as a forearm or upper arm or an ankle, calf or thigh, the hookstrip 18 engages the loop strip 20 to secure the strap 12 to such bodypart.

Preferably, the strap 12 is formed from a stretchable or viscoelasticmaterial 40, such as neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane or spandex.Most preferably, the body contacting surface 22 of the strap 12 iscovered with a woven or nonwoven fabric or covering so that the strapmay be comfortably worn over a body part. Even more preferably, theouter surface of the strap 12 also comprises a woven or nonwoven fabricor covering. Suitable materials for the woven or nonwoven fabric orcovering comprise nylon or rayon or DACRON® (trademark of E.I. DuPont deNemours & Company) or GORE-TEX® (trademark of W. L. Gore & Associates).Other coverings include blends of synthetic and natural fibers, such ascotton, nylon, rayon blends. Particularly preferred materials for thestrap 12 are laminate structures having a viscoelastic materialsandwiched between two woven fabric layers, such as polymer materialsmade by Rubberite, including R-1400-N, a neoprene polymer material thathas an elongation of 200%, 4219-NEU, a neoprene polymer material thathas an elongation of 130%, G231-N, a neoprene polymer material that hasan elongation of 450%, SCE43B, a neoprene/EPDM/SBR polymer material thathas an elongation of 150%, ENSOLITE IV2, a neoprene/PVC/Nitrile polymermaterial that has an elongation of 100%, and HYPUR-CE T-0805, apolyurethane polymer material that has an elongation of 100%. Oneparticularly preferred material, R-1400-N, is shown best in FIG. 3, inwhich a viscoelastic material 40 is sandwiched between two woven fabricor covering layers 42 to form a laminate structure. A preferredthickness for the strap is from 0.158 to 2.54 cm ( 1/16 to 1 inch), andmost preferably is about 0.31 cm (⅛ inch). Thickness may vary dependingupon body location for best form, fit and function.

Preferred stretchable or viscoelastic materials for forming the strap 12have the following properties as set forth in Table I:

TABLE I Physical property Unit of Measure Range Compression deflection@25% psi  3 to 10 Density Lbs/ft³  7 to 15 Tensile Strength psi 40 to 80Elongation (minimum to % 100 to 450 maximum) Temperature range ° F.  −70to +250 Force constant (k = F/x) Lbs/inch 0.1 to 5.0

Referring again to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, in the first embodiment of thedampening device a first step member 26 is engaged to the bodycontacting surface 22 of the strap 12, such as with adhesive. Apreferred adhesive is ALCOTE 532 from Rohm and Haas Company. Alternateengaging methods are possible, such as, but not limited to, hook andloop fasteners, stitching with elastomeric thread, buttons, grommets,rivets or staples. The first step member 26 has a length and width, withits length greater than its width and further with its width the same asor shorter than the width of the strap 12. The first step member 26further defines an axis along its length. The first step member 26 isaligned such that its axis is parallel to or generally aligned with theaxis A of the strap 12.

A second step member 26 a is engaged to the body contacting surface 22of the strap 12, such as with adhesive. Alternate engaging methods arepossible, such as, but not limited to, hook and loop fasteners,stitching with elastomeric thread, buttons, grommets, rivets or staples.The second step member 26 a has a length and width, with its lengthgreater than its width and further with its width the same as or shorterthan the width of the strap 12. The second step member 26 a furtherdefines an axis along its length. The second step member 26 a is alignedsuch that its axis is parallel to or generally aligned with the axis Aof the strap 12. The second step member 26 a is spaced apart from thefirst step member 26 such that there is a gap therebetween.

An additional step member 32 is engaged to the outer surface of thesecond step member 26 a, such as with adhesive or an acceptablealternate engaging method. The additional step member 32 has a lengthand a width, with its length greater than its width. The additional stepmember 32 further defines an axis along its length. The additional stepmember 32 is positioned such that its axis is parallel to or generallyaligned with the axis A of the strap 12. In addition, the additionalstep member 32 is off-set from the second step member 26 a such that oneend of the additional step member 32 is not engaged to the second stepmember 26 a or to the surface 22 of the strap 12 and extends beyond theend of the second step member 26 a. Preferably, the one extending endextends from 0.05 to 1 inch from the edge of the strap 12. The oneextending end of the additional step member 32 has freedom to move withrelation to the second step member 26 a. By “freedom to move” or“freedom of movement” is meant that the one extending end of theadditional step member 32 may flexibly oscillate upwards and downwardsor closer to and farther from the body contacting surface 22 of thestrap 12. The additional step member 32 may also be referred to hereinas an “axial additional step member” in view of its alignment generallywith the longitudinal axis A of the strap 12.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a further additional step member 34 isattached to the outer surface of the first step member 26, such as withadhesive or an acceptable alternate attaching or engaging method. Thefurther additional step member 34 has a length and a width, with itslength greater than its width. The further additional step member 34further defines an axis along its length. The further additional stepmember 34 is positioned such that its axis is at an angle to the axis Aof the strap 12. Preferably, the further additional step member 34 ispositioned so that its axis is generally perpendicular to the axis A ofthe strap 12. The further additional step member 34 is off-set from thestep member 26 such that at least one end of the further additional stepmember 34 is not engaged to the first step member 26 or to the surface22 of the strap 12 and extends beyond the side edge of the step member26. The at least one extending end of the further additional step member34 has freedom to move with relation to the step member 26. Mostpreferably, the further additional step member 34 is positioned suchthat both ends of the further additional step member 34 are not engagedto the first step member 26 or to the surface 22 of the strap 12 andextend beyond the side edge of the step member 26. Thus in this mostpreferred embodiment (as is shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3), both ends of thefurther additional step member 34 have freedom to move with relation tothe step member 26. The further additional step member 34 may also bereferred to herein as a “radial additional step member” in view of itsalignment generally at an angle to, and preferably perpendicular to, thelongitudinal axis A of the strap 12.

The additional step member 32 may be of the same or different length asthe length of the further additional step member 34. The additional stepmember 32 may be of the same or different width as the width of thefurther additional step member 34.

Most preferably, the step members 26, 26 a and the additional stepmembers 32, 34 are formed from the same stretchable or viscoelasticmaterial(s) as the strap 12. Such step members 26, 26 a, 32 and 34 mayalso be covered on one or both surfaces with a woven or nonwoven fabricmaterial. The step members 26, 26 a, 32 and 34 may be of the same ordifferent thickness, and may be of the same or different thickness fromthe strap 12. Preferably, the thickness of the step members 26, 26 a, 32and 34 is in the range of 0.158 to 2.54 cm ( 1/16 to 1 inch), and mostpreferably is 0.317 cm (⅛ inch).

The strap 12 may be wrapped about a forearm (for example), so that thefasteners 16, 18 are engaged and the skin contacting surface 22 is incontact with the forearm skin. The strap 12 is tightened to a suitabletension (such as 0.1 to 5 pounds-force, preferably 1 to 3 pounds-force)to maintain the strap in position on the forearm and to hold the stepmembers 26, 26 a, 32 and 34 in position. The strap 12 is not wrapped sotightly as to become a tourniquet that limits blood flow. The stepmembers 26, 26 a serve to hold the strap 12 off the skin and provide agap so that the strap 12 is more easily engaged at a suitable wrappingtension that will not impose undue local pressure on body tissue.

Referring next to FIGS. 4 and 5, a second or alternate embodiment of thevibration dampening device 10 b is shown, wherein like referencenumerals refer to like elements. In such alternate embodiment, a strap12 a with a proximal end 14 and a distal end 16 defines a length and awidth and a longitudinal axis. The strap length is longer than the strapwidth. As fastening means, a hook strip 18 is attached to a bodycontacting surface 22 of the strap 12 a, and a loop strip 20 is attachedto the outer surface 24 of the strap 12 a. As with the embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 3, alternative fastening means may be used (not shown),including but not limited to a buckle, a cinch or a series of snaps orhooks or buttons. Such strap may also be formed as a continuous loopwithout fasteners, although it is preferred to have fasteners so thatthe wrapping tension may be adjusted. In FIGS. 4 and 5, the strap 12 ais shown in an open condition, not wrapped around a human body part.When wrapped around a human body part, such as a forearm or upper arm,or ankle, calf or thigh, the hook strip 18 engages the loop strip 20 tosecure the strap 12 a to such body part.

First and second radial step members 30 are attached to or engaged tothe body contacting surface 22 of the strap 12 a, such as with adhesiveor other acceptable attachment means. The first and second radial stepmembers 30 define a length and a width wherein the length is greaterthan the width. Such step member 30 length is also greater than thewidth of the strap 12 a. The first and second radial step members 30 arespaced apart from one another so as not to be in contact with oneanother. In FIG. 5, there is a defined gap 36 between first and secondradial step members 30. The step members 30 are shown disposed ingenerally parallel relation wherein the longitudinal axis of the firststep member 30 is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of thesecond step member, and both such axes are generally perpendicular tothe longitudinal axis of the strap 12 a. While it is preferred toposition such step members 30 in substantially parallel relation to eachother and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of thestrap 12 a, it is also possible to engage the step members 30 to thebody contacting surface 22 of the strap at angles within the range of 15to 165 degrees, preferably from 45 to 135 degrees.

The ends of the first and second radial step members 30 are not engagedto the strap 12 a. Such ends thus have freedom to move with relation tothe body contacting surface 22 of strap 12 a. By “freedom to move” ismeant that the extending ends of the step member 30 may flexiblyoscillate upwards and downwards or closer to and farther from the bodycontacting surface 22 of the strap 12 a. As shown in FIG. 5, both endsof both step members 30 have freedom to move. However, it is alsopossible to align the step members 30 so that only one end has freedomto move.

A further or third embodiment 10 c of the invention is shown in FIGS. 6and 7. In this embodiment, a first radial step member 30 a has shorterlength than a second radial step member 30 b. In addition the definedgap 36 a between the step members 30 a, 30 b is shorter than the gap 36between step members 30 in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Thestrap 12 c has a lesser thickness than the thickness of the strap 12 ofthe embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 12 a in FIGS. 4 and 5. Thisthird embodiment 10 c is more suited for wrapping a wrist or an upper ora lower arm having a smaller circumference.

Yet another or fourth embodiment 10 d of the vibration dampening deviceaccording to the invention is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. In thisembodiment, the strap 12 has a single radial step member 30 engaged orattached to the body contacting surface 22 and opposite to the surfaceonto which the hook strip 18 for the fastening means has been applied.The radial step member 30 is shown attached at or very near the proximalend of the strap 12. However, such single radial step member 30 mightalternatively be positioned at any point along the length of the strap12. As shown in FIG. 9, the ends of the single radial step member 30 arenot attached to the body contacting surface 22 of the strap 12 so as tohave freedom of movement with relation to the strap 12. It is alsopossible to position the single radial step member 30 so that only oneend has freedom of movement, or such that the longitudinal axis of theradial step member 30 is not substantially perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis of the strap 12.

FIG. 10 shows still another or fifth embodiment 10 e of the vibrationdampening device in which the strap 12 e is of a much shorter lengththan the straps 12 shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 and 5. Such strap 12 ealso is thinner than the straps 12 depicted in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 4 and 5.One radial step member 30 is attached or engaged to the body contactingsurface 22 at a central portion of the strap 12 e. Such single radialstep member has at least one end with freedom of movement in relation tothe strap 12 e. This fifth embodiment 10 e is particularly suited forwrapping a toe or a finger.

Yet another or sixth embodiment 10 f is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12. Inthis embodiment 10 f two axial step members 26 are attached or engagedto the body contacting surface 22 of the strap 12 f, such as withadhesive or other alternate engaging means. The step members 26 eachhave a length and width, with length greater than width, and furtherwith width the same as or shorter than the width of the strap 12 f. Thestep members 26 each further define a central axis along theirrespective length. As shown in FIG. 12, step members 26 are aligned suchthat each respective axis is parallel to or generally aligned with theaxis of the strap 12 f. The step members 26 are further spaced apartfrom one another such that they do not contact one another, but leave agap therebetween. The axial step members 26 are shown in FIG. 11 to havethe same thickness as strap 12 f, which is preferred. However, the axialstep members 26 may be of different thickness than strap 12 f.

Referring next to FIGS. 13 and 14, yet another alternate or seventhembodiment of the vibration dampening device is shown. In thisembodiment, a strap 60 has a proximal end 62 and a distal end 64. A hookstrip 66 at the proximal end 62 may be engaged with a loop strip 68 atthe distal end 64 so as to secure the strap 60 around a body part. Thestrap 60 defines a length and a nominal width and an axis along itslength. The strap 60 is formed with integral wing sections 70, 72 thatextend beyond the nominal width and have freedom of movement withrespect to the strap portion within the nominal width. As shown in FIG.14, wing sections 72 are aligned such that they extend from the strapfrom opposite sides at the same or nearly the same position along thelongitudinal axis of the strap 60. In contrast, wing sections 70 extendfrom the strap 60 at different positions along the longitudinal axis ofthe strap 60. While the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 has acombination of aligned wing sections 72 and non-aligned wing sections70, it is within the scope of the invention to include only aligned wingsections 72 or only non-aligned wing sections 70, or any combinationthereof. While the wing sections 70, 72 are shown to have an equivalentlength extending beyond the nominal width of the strap 60, it is withinthe scope of the invention to have wing sections extend differentlengths. A preferred range of lengths for such wing sections 70 or 72 isfrom 0.05 to 1 inch.

The vibration dampening devices according to the invention may beapplied around a number of different body parts at a number of differentpositions to help dampen vibrations that travel through soft tissue andmusculature. For example, the vibration dampening devices may be wrappedaround a finger, a thumb, a wrist, a forearm, an upper arm, a neck, achest, a waist, a torso, an ankle, a lower leg or calf, and an upper legor thigh. Various possible wrap locations are shown by target dots on aschematic drawing of a human body in FIG. 17. Vibration dampeningdevices 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 99 and 100 are wrapped around various bodyparts of the human body shown in FIG. 17. A device 90 is wrapped aroundthe wrist. A device 92 is wrapped around the upper arm between theshoulder and the elbow. A device 94 is wrapped around a finger. A device96 is wrapped around a thumb. A device 98 is wrapped around a thigh. Adevice 99 is wrapped around a chest or torso. A device 100 is wrappedaround an ankle. FIG. 17 is not intended to be limiting. The dampeningdevices may be worn one at a time or in various combinations. Whenwrapped, the tension preferably should be maintained at or below 5pounds-force, more preferably in the range of 1 to 5 pounds-force, mostpreferably at or below 3 pounds-force (i.e., 32 psi for a strap that is0.75 inches wide and ⅛ inch thick or 0.093 square inches in surfacearea) to dampen vibrations from continuing to travel longitudinallyalong the soft tissue and musculature beyond the device.

Table II below sets out exemplary dimensions for various vibrationdampening straps according to the invention. These dimensions arepreferred, but are not required.

TABLE II Maximum Strap Strap Wing Flap Wing Strap Width Thickness LengthThickness Body part Length (in) (in) (in) (in) (in) Wrist 10 0.25 to 2.00.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Forearm 13 0.25 to 2.0 0.1 to 0.50.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Upper arm 14 0.25 to 2.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.00.05 to 0.5 Ankle 11 0.25 to 2.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Calf18 0.25 to 2.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Thigh 24 0.25 to 2.00.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Finger 3  0.1 to 1.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 Thumb 4  0.1 to 1.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 0.05 to0.5 Large toe 4  0.1 to 1.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 Smalltoes 3  0.1 to 1.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 0.05 to 0.5 Chest 50 0.25 to6.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Neck 20 0.25 to 1.0 0.1 to 0.50.05 to 1.0 0.05 to 0.5 Waist 40 0.25 to 4.0 0.1 to 0.5 0.05 to 1.0 0.05to 0.5

It may be difficult for individual wearers to gauge whether or not theyhave wrapped the vibration dampening devices according to the inventionwith sufficient tension, but not so tightly as to achieve the benefitsintended. As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a tension limiter 80 optionallymay be incorporated into the structure of the device. The tensionlimiter 80 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, is a loop 86 with a first end 82and a second end 84. The first and second ends 82, 84 are attached tothe body contacting surface 22 of the strap 12 such that the loopportion remains loose when the strap is not tightened to an overlytaught condition, such as in excess of 32 pounds per square inch. Thislooser condition is shown in FIG. 15. Attachment of the ends 82, 84 maybe with adhesive or stitching or other comparable attaching means.Alternatively, the ends 82, 84 may be attached to the outer surface ofthe strap 12 (not shown in FIGS. 15 and 16). As the strap 12 istightened around a body part to a taught condition, such as up to about3 pounds-force (which translates to 32 psi over an area of 0.093 squareinches), the tension limiter 80 stretches and the loop portion is nolonger as loose as shown in FIG. 15. In the taught condition at themaximum desired tension, the loop portion 86 contacts the bodycontacting surface 22 of the strap 12 and the tension limiter 80 reachesa maximum stretch condition. The tension limiter 80 thus resists furtherstretching of the strap 12, helping to maintain the tension at or justbelow the maximum level.

The vibration dampening devices according to the invention may be usedsingly or in combination to dampen vibrations of soft tissue ormusculature. Referring to FIG. 18, a first vibration dampening deviceaccording to the invention 101 and a second vibration dampening deviceaccording to the invention 102 are shown as wrapped around a humanforearm. The first device 101 has a radial step member 104 of a firstlength. The second device 102 has two radial step members 106 having alength longer than the first length of step member 104. As a vibration,such as from an impact of a ball hitting a racket, travels through softtissue in the direction of arrow 108, the ends of radial step member 104have freedom of movement relative to the strap portion of device 101 tohelp dampen such vibration. Similarly, the ends of radial step members106 have freedom of movement relative to the strap portion of device 102to further dampen any vibrations that have continued to travel pastdevice 101 to device 102.

Referring next to FIG. 19, another alternate embodiment or eighthembodiment 10 g of the vibration dampening strap of the invention isshown. In this eighth embodiment 10 g the strap has three wings 114,116, 118 extending beyond the width of the strap. As shown in FIG. 19,the wings are spaced equidistant from one another, and have central axesgenerally perpendicular to the central axis of the strap. Alternatearrangements wherein the wings are spaced apart at varying distances, orhave varying angular orientation with respect to the central axis of thestrap are possible. In addition the wings have equivalent lengths inFIG. 19, although this is not required. Preferably, the central wing 116has a different force constant k than the wings 114, 118. By includingawing 116 with a different force constant, the vibration dampening strapof the invention 10 g has better ability to dampen vibrations of varyingfrequencies and amplitudes that travel along the soft tissue. The forceconstant of a wing may be varied by using different material toconstruct the wing, or by varying the thickness or shape of the outerperiphery of the wing.

As one example, the force constant (k) of the material selected for wing116 is from 0.5 to 2 lb/in², whereas the force constant (k) for thematerial selected for wings 114, 118 is from 2 to 5 lb/in². Use ofmaterials with different force constants for the wings allows thevibration dampening device to better respond to vibrations havingdifferent frequencies and amplitudes.

FIG. 20 shows a ninth embodiment 10 f of the vibration dampening strapof the invention that has three wings 122. Wings 122 have curved orsemi-circular outer edges, which may offer enhanced vibration dampeningas compared to wings with straight outer edges such as shown in FIG. 19.Alternate wing edge geometries are possible; and are within the scope ofthe invention. In addition, while wing members have been shown withuniform thicknesses, wing thickness may vary along wing length. Forexample, wing edges may be thicker than central wing portions, or wingouter periphery shapes may be different for adjacent wings by varyingthickness of the material.

While not wishing to be bound by any one theory, FIG. 21 is a diagram toillustrate how the vibration dampening straps according to the inventionare believed to function. The vibration dampening strap 130 is shown inphantom outline and has a wing 132 (also shown in phantom outline)attached to the body-contacting surface of the strap 130 with edgesextending beyond the width of the strap 130. The strap 130 is attachedto a human forearm represented schematically by a bone 134, soft tissueor musculature 136, and skin 138. A shock or vibration travelslongitudinally in the direction from left to right as indicated by arrow140. The longitudinal vibration wave has a first amplitude (ΔY_(L)).Another shock or vibration travels radially outwardly from the bone asindicated by arrow 142. This radial vibration wave has a first amplitude(ΔY_(R)).

The vibration dampening strap 130 of the invention is a passivemechanical vibration dampening device. Vibrations in musculature andsoft tissue generally have frequencies from less than 1 to about 500cycles per second (Hz) and amplitudes from less than 1 mm (e.g., inmuscular areas) to over 25 mm (e.g., in fatty soft tissue areas). Tissuemovement in both amplitude and frequency commonly leads to pain orinjury. The strap 130 counters radially traveling vibrations bysupporting the skin and soft tissue in an area. The strap 130 incombination with the wing 132 best counters longitudinally travelingvibrations.

The strap 130 holds the wing 132 in contact with the skin 138, but isnot wrapped so tightly as to apply a tourniquet force to the arm. Whenthe longitudinal vibration meets the vibration dampening strap 130, theedges of the wing 132 may move freely to apply counter forces oppositeto the vibration amplitude to help restore the skin and tissue to thepre-shocked position. That the ends of the wings extending from thewidth of the strap may move freely is an important feature of thisembodiment of the invention. The restoring force F is calculated asF=k*x, where k (force constant) is from 0.1 to 5 pounds/inch and x isthe displacement distance moved by the wing. The wings thus apply arestoring force to counter the longitudinal vibration. As shown in FIG.21, the amplitude of the longitudinally traveling vibration has beenreduced from ΔY_(L) to a lesser amplitude (seen to the right of thestrap 130) after the vibration has traveled past the strap 130 and arestoring force has been applied by the wing 132.

For example, if wing movement induced by vibration is translated to belinear movement (x) of 0.1 inch, and the k value for the wing materialis 2 pounds/inch, then the restoring force F is calculated as 2pounds/inch times 0.1 inch or 0.2 pounds-force. If the vibrationdampening device has three wings extending only from one side of astrap, and if the wings have equivalent k value, the restoring force Fis 3 times 0.2 pounds-force or 0.6 pounds-force. If the three wingsextend from both sides of the strap, the restoring force F is doubled to1.2 pounds force.

If multiple wings each formed of a material with a different modulus ofelasticity (and thus different force constant) are used in combination,a variety of restoring forces to counter longitudinal vibrations areapplied. Under Hooke's law, within the elastic limit, deformationproduced is proportional to the stress.

The invention has been illustrated by detailed description and examplesof the preferred embodiments. Various changes in form and detail will bewithin the skill of persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the inventionmust be measured by the claims and not by the description of theexamples or the preferred embodiments.

We claim:
 1. A vibration dampening device for wrapping a human bodypart, comprising: a strap defining a central axis, having a nominalwidth and having a body contacting surface and an outer surface; a stepmember engaged to the strap, wherein said step member has a length and awidth, and the length of said step member is longer than the width ofsaid step member, and further wherein the length of the step member islonger than the width of the strap and the proximal and distal ends ofthe step member are free from a fastener, and further wherein said stepmember is formed from a stretchable material, and still further whereinsaid step member defines an axis along its length, and said step memberis engaged to the body contacting surface of the strap so that its axisis at an angle with respect to the axis of the strap, said angle rangingbetween 15 and 165 degrees.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the axisof the step member is substantially perpendicular to the axis of thestrap.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein the step member defines a firstwing portion at its distal end and a second wing portion at its proximalend, and wherein the first wing portion extends beyond the width of thestrap when the step member is engaged to the strap.
 4. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the strap defines a central axis and the step memberdefines an axis along its length, and said step member is engaged to thebody contacting surface of the strap so that its axis is either parallelto or generally aligned with the axis of the strap.
 5. The device ofclaim 4, further comprising a second step member defining an axis alongits length and engaged to said step member so that its axis is eitherparallel to or generally aligned with the axis of said step member. 6.The device of claim 4, further comprising a second step member definingan axis along its length and engaged to said step member so that itsaxis is substantially perpendicular to the axis of said step member. 7.The device of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional stepmembers engaged to the body contacting surface of the strap.
 8. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein at least one of the additional step membershas a modulus of elasticity different from the step member.
 9. Thedevice of claim 7, wherein said step member and said additional stepmember(s) are disposed along the strap so as not to contact one another.10. The device of claim 9, wherein said step member and said additionalstep member(s) are disposed along the strap so as to define a gapbetween each adjacent step member of from 0.25 to 4.0 inches.
 11. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the strap defines a proximal end and a distalend, and further comprising means for detachably securing the distal endof the strap to the proximal end of the strap.
 12. The device of claim11, wherein the means for detachably securing the distal end of thestrap to the proximal end of the strap comprises a hook and loopfastener wherein a hook portion is provided on the body contactingsurface at the proximal end of the strap and a loop portion is providedon an outer surface at the distal end of the strap.
 13. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the strap comprises at least in part a materialselected from the group consisting of neoprene, polyethylene,polyurethane and spandex.
 14. The device of claim 13, further comprisinga woven or non woven fabric or felt covering forming the body contactingsurface of the strap.
 15. The device of claim 14, further comprising awoven or nonwoven fabric or felt covering forming the outer surface ofthe strap.
 16. The device of claim 13, wherein the step member comprisesthe same at least one material as the strap.
 17. The device of claim 1,wherein the step member is engaged to the body contacting surface withan adhesive.
 18. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap comprises aviscoelastic material having a density in the range of 7 to 15 poundsper cubic foot, a tensile strength from 40 to 80 psi and a minimumelongation of 100%.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the viscoelasticmaterial has a compression deflection at 25% of from 3 to 10 psi. 20.The device of claim 1, wherein said at least one step member isviscoelastic.
 21. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap when wrappedaround a human body part exerts a tension of no more than 5 pounds-forceon said human body part.
 22. The device of claim 1, further comprising atension limiter formed by attaching a loop to the strap.
 23. The deviceof claim 22, wherein said loop has two ends and a loop portion betweensaid ends, and wherein said ends are attached to the body contactingsurface of the strap when the loop is in relaxed condition and the strapis not under tension.
 24. The device of claim 23, wherein a first wingsection is spaced apart from a second wing section so as to define a gapbetween of from 0.25 to 4.0 inches.
 25. The device of claim 23, whereinthe strap has a proximal end and a distal end and means for detachablysecuring the distal end to the proximal end of the strap.
 26. The deviceof claim 25, wherein the means for detachably securing the distal end tothe proximal end of the strap comprises a hook and loop fastener,wherein a hook portion is provided on the body contacting surface at theproximal end of the strap and a loop portion is provided on the outersurface at the distal end of the strap.
 27. The device of claim 23,wherein the strap comprises at least one material selected from thegroup consisting of neoprene, polyethylene, polyurethane and spandex.28. The device of claim 27, further comprising a woven or nonwovenfabric or felt covering forming the body contacting surface of thestrap.
 29. The device of claim 28, further comprising a woven ornonwoven fabric or felt covering forming the outer surface of the strap.30. The device of claim 23, wherein the strap is formed from aviscoelastic material having a density in the range of 7 to 15 poundsper cubic foot, a tensile strength from 40 to 80 psi, and a minimumelongation of 100%.
 31. The device of claim 30, wherein the viscoelasticmaterial has a compression deflection at 25% of from 3 to 10 psi.
 32. Amethod for dampening vibration of soft tissue or musculature of a humanwearer's body part, comprising: providing a stretchable strap having anominal width and having a body contacting surface and an outer surface,wherein said strap defines a central axis along its length, and whereina step member is engaged to the stretchable strap, wherein said stepmember has a length and a width, and the length of said step member islonger than the width of said step member, and further wherein thelength of the step member is longer than the width of the stretchablestrap, and still further wherein said step member defines an axis alongits length, and said step member is engaged to the strap so that axis ofthe step member is at an angle between 15 degrees and 165 degrees withrespect to the axis of the strap; providing a tension limiter comprisinga loop attached to said strap; wrapping the stretchable strap around thebody part so that the body contacting surface is in contact with thewearer's skin and the stretchable strap is under tension.
 33. The methodof claim 32, wherein the stretchable strap exerts a tension of no morethan 5 pounds-force.
 34. The method of claim 32, wherein the stretchablestrap exerts a tension of from 0.1 to 5 pounds-force.
 35. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the strap has a proximal end and a distal end and hasa means for adjustably fastening the proximal end to the distal end. 36.The method of claim 32, wherein the step member is engaged to the bodycontacting surface of the strap.
 37. The method of claim 36, wherein oneor more additional step members are engaged to the strap and aredisposed along the strap in spaced apart relation so as not to contactone another.
 38. The method of claim 36, wherein at least one of theadditional step members has a modulus of elasticity different from thestep member.
 39. The method of claim 32, wherein a second step memberdefining an axis along its length is engaged to said step member so thatthe axis of the second step member is parallel to or generally alignedwith an axis defined by the step member.
 40. The method of claim 32,wherein the strap is wrapped around a body part selected from the groupconsisting of: thumb, finger, wrist, forearm, upper arm, toe, ankle,lower leg, thigh, torso and neck.
 41. The method of claim 32, whereinthe step member defines a wing portion that extends beyond the width ofthe strap when the step member is engaged to the strap.
 42. A vibrationdampening device for wrapping a human body part, comprising: a straphaving a nominal width and a length, and having a body contactingsurface and an outer surface, said strap furthermore defining an axisalong its length; a step member engaged to the strap, wherein said stepmember has a length and a width, and wherein the length of said stepmember is longer than the width of said step member, and further whereinthe length of the step member is longer than the width of the strap, andstill further wherein said step member has proximal and distal ends thatextend beyond the nominal width of the strap, and has freedom ofmovement with respect to said strap, and still further wherein said stepmember defines an axis along its length, and said step member is engagedto the strap so that axis of the step member is at an angle between 15decrees and 165 degrees with respect to the axis of the strap.
 43. Thedevice of claim 42, wherein the step member is engaged to the outersurface of the strap.
 44. The device of claim 42, wherein the stepmember is engaged to the body contacting surface of the strap.
 45. Thedevice of claim 42, wherein at least one of said proximal and distal endterminates in a semi-circular shape.
 46. The device of claim 42, whereinsaid at least one step member is viscoelastic.